FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Four Health and Life Sciences Companies to Present at the Second Health Challenge Pitch Event on Oct. 2
HALIFAX, NS (September 25) – Four Atlantic Canadian health and life sciences companies will present their mental health and wellness solutions virtually during the second Health Challenge Pitch Event on Friday, October 2, beginning at 12pm.
Thanks to support from Nova Scotia Health, Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), QEII Foundation, and BioNova, one company developing a mental health and/or wellness solution will receive $100,000 and their innovative medical technology will be launched as a proof of concept within Nova Scotia Health and consideration given for scaled deployment.
The competition was created to drive innovation in the health and life sciences space, showcase the exemplary medical technologies coming out of Atlantic Canada, and encourage the adoption of existing technologies to improve the accuracy and level of care health practitioners require to keep people well, and to make concise, life-saving diagnoses and treatments for patients from a physical and mental wellness perspective.
The four companies that will be pitching virtually on Friday, October 2 include:
- Dispension Industries (Dartmouth, NS)
- Real Time Medical Inc. (Dartmouth, NS)
- Tranquility Online Inc. (Halifax, NS)
- imTEEN by WeUsThem Inc. (Halifax, NS)
Pitches will be 10 minutes in length, followed by five minutes for the judges to ask questions. The event is taking place via videoconference and begins at 12pm on Friday, October, 2.
Those interested in watching are encouraged to register for the event on Eventbrite.
Quotes:
“It’s incredibly inspiring to see such strong leadership and innovation from companies across Atlantic Canada, focusing their efforts on developing mental health and wellness solutions. Given the quality and calibre of the applications we received, I am confident these companies will continue to have a tremendous impact on patient care across our region.”
– Martha Casey, Volta CEO
“The submissions that were received are incredibly impressive and the fact that these are medtech companies from our Atlantic provinces proves that we have the knowledge, expertise and resources to develop world-class healthcare solutions right here, for our patient population. Nova Scotia Health is a proud partner, supporting health innovation and discovery.”
– Dr. Gail Tomblin Murphy, Vice President, Research, Innovation & Discovery and CNE, Nova Scotia Health
“We’ve worked hard to build a supportive and collaborative ecosystem for the advancement of the health and life sciences industry to support companies like the finalists announced today. Through BioNova’s programs we can continue to support them beyond the Health Challenge.”
– Scott Moffitt, Executive Director, BioNova
“The QEII Foundation is extremely proud to be part of this initiative, addressing the conversation head-on and tackling some of the big needs in our community. Investing in innovative solutions in mental health and wellness is an investment in the health of our community.”
– Susan Mullin, President and CEO, QEII Foundation
“The Government of Canada is proud to support the Health Challenge that highlights the extraordinary work Atlantic Canadian businesses are doing to tackle real challenges and create a more robust health care system.”
– Andy Fillmore, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Member of Parliament for Halifax, on behalf of the Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for ACOA
-30-
About Volta
Volta (formerly Volta Labs) is one of Canada’s largest innovation hubs, located in downtown Halifax, Nova Scotia. Volta is creating a space where members of the Atlantic Canadian innovation ecosystem can work, connect and learn from one another by accessing co-working space, participating in programs and attending events. Volta has been home to more than 50 startups through its Residency program, which has created more than 300 jobs and raised a combined total of $60-million in equity financing.
About Nova Scotia Health
Nova Scotia Health provides health services to Nova Scotians and a wide array of specialized services to Maritimers and Atlantic Canadians. We operate hospitals, health centres and community-based programs across the province. Our team of health professionals includes employees, doctors, researchers, learners and volunteers. We work in partnership with community groups, schools, governments, foundations and auxiliaries and community health boards. Visit nshealth.ca for more.
About BioNova
BioNova leads the development of Health and Life Sciences in Nova Scotia. Our industry-led sector growth plan, BioFuture 2030, has made us the fastest growing sector in Atlantic Canada. We represent over 100 companies in Nova Scotia who have raised over $65 million in investment dollars since the beginning of 2020.
About QEII Foundation
The QEII Foundation inspires generosity to advance health care at the QEII. With financial support from all levels of the community, the QEII Foundation helps fund new technologies, medical research, innovation and professional education that contribute to life-changing moments experienced every day by patients and their loved ones. By working together with people who share a vision of better health, the Foundation strengthens care delivered at the QEII, improving the health and lives of Atlantic Canadians.
About the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency
The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency works to create opportunities for economic growth in Atlantic Canada by helping businesses become more competitive, innovative and productive, by working with diverse communities to develop and diversify local economies, and by championing the strengths of Atlantic Canada. Together, with Atlantic Canadians, ACOA is building a stronger economy. For more information, please visit www.acoa-apeca.gc.ca.
For more information, contact:
Kelly Reinsborough, Director, Innovation, Nova Scotia Health
[email protected], 902-223-3539
Patti Green, Communications Coordinator, Nova Scotia Health
[email protected], 902-266-6853
Laurie Snell, Marketing Manager, Volta
[email protected], 902-220-2544
Chris Brooks, Director, Communications and Outreach, ACOA Nova Scotia
[email protected], 902-830-3839
Shana Cristoferi, Marketing Manager, BioNova,
[email protected], 902-830-9193
Tanya MacLean, VP Communications and Marketing, QEII Foundation
[email protected], 902489-5664
